The Defence Headquarters has reported significant successes in ongoing internal security operations across the country, with troops eliminating 82 terrorists and apprehending 198 criminals within a week.
In a statement released on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, detailed the military’s recent achievements, highlighting the rescue of 93 kidnapped victims and the recovery of 86 high-calibre weapons along with 2,040 rounds of ammunition from various operational theatres.
Additionally, 41 terrorists, comprising 10 men, 12 women, and 19 children—surrendered to troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North East.
The military’s efforts in the Niger Delta also dealt a major blow to illegal oil activities. According to Kangye, troops seized crude oil and petroleum products valued at over N500 million.
The breakdown of the recovered items includes 366,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 117,320 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 600 litres of kerosene.
“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 38 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 22 boats, three speedboats, 60 storage tanks, 34 drums, and 32 illegal refining sites.
“Troops arrested 22 oil thieves, recovered two and 152 assorted arms and ammunition as well as five magazines among others,” the statement read.
Providing further details on the seized weapons, Kangye noted that troops recovered 46 AK-47 rifles, 18 locally fabricated guns, 19 Dane guns, and three pump-action guns.
Ammunition haul included 1,165 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 128 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 600 rounds of 7.62 x 12.7mm ammo, and 51 cartridges.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.
